How to Eliminate Mossy Growth on Azaleas

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How to Eliminate Mossy Growth on Azaleas

Overview

Azaleas are normally a plant with a dense, leafy canopy. But as azaleas decline in health, a mossy growth called lichen might start to grow on the trunk and branches. If you take a walk in the woods, you may see lichen growing on the trunk of trees or on the side of a mossy rock. Lichens are not harmful to plants, but can be found on neglected or diseased plants because of the increased sunlight that these plants are allowing on their trunks. Increasing the health of your plants will get rid of lichen long-term. But there are short term solutions.

Step 1

Wait until after a rain to remove lichens. Rain typically loosens lichens, which makes them easy to remove.

Step 2

Buff lichen away with a gentle nail brush by rubbing the lichen with the brush in a circular motion until it is gone. As you rub the lichen, be careful not to damage the bark of your azalea plant.

Step 3

Spray the lichen with an organic fungicide, such as one containing sulfur or copper. This will typically kill lichens without harming plants.

Tips and Warnings

Always wear breathing protection as well as gloves when spraying an organic fungicide. Your skin can absorb the chemicals in the fungicide, so limit contact with these products as much as you can.

Things You'll Need

Nail brush

Organic fungicide

Spray bottle

References

Alabama Cooperative Extension System: Azaleas: Insects & Disease

Grow It: Lichen on Trees or Shrubs

Natorp's Garden Stores and Landscape: Gardening Tips and Plant Info

Who Can Help

Plant Natural: Using Organic Fungicide

Keywords:
Lichen growth, organic fungicide, azalea health

About this Author

After 10 years experience in writing, Tracy S. Morris has countless articles and two novels to her credit. Her work has appeared in national magazines and newspapers, including "Ferrets" and "CatFancy," as well as the "Lexington Herald Leader" and "The Tulsa World," and several websites.